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We have a unique approach at College MatchPoint. It all begins and ends with our ultimate goal: for our students to thrive in their selected college.
The college application process can feel overwhelming, no matter how strong the student. But at College MatchPoint, we believe it should be organized, personal, and even fun, and we provide a framework that reduces the stress throughout the journey.
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Summer Planning
For many of today's college-bound high school students, the summer is no longer nine weeks of total relaxation, but rather an opportunity to spend time actively working, learning new skills, or diving deeper into an area (or areas) of interest. This complete guide to summer planning walks you through the various types of summer opportunities — from volunteer work to independent projects, and everything in between — and offers tips for how your student can take their involvement up a notch during the summer.
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For families targeting The University of Texas at Austin, summer planning can quietly become one of the most stressful parts of the admissions journey. As deadlines approach and conversations circulate, it is easy to believe that the right program, often expensive and highly branded, is the missing piece. The assumption is understandable. UT Austin is competitive. Competitive schools must want elite experiences. That assumption is also wrong.
At The University of Texas at Austin, admissions readers are not impressed by how full a student’s summer calendar looks. They are paying attention to something far more revealing. How a student grows over time. UT does not reward activity stacking, even when those activities sound impressive. It rewards direction, ownership, and evidence that a student is becoming ready for the academic environment they are asking to enter.
At The University of Texas at Austin, admission to a competitive major is not an abstract judgment about potential. It is a decision rooted in evidence. UT is asking whether a student is ready for the academic demands of a specific program, not whether they might figure it out later. That is why summer matters far more than most families realize.
There is a powerful myth that shows up every spring for families targeting UT Austin. The belief is simple and costly. If a student lands the most impressive or expensive summer program, their application will be stronger. The logic feels sound. UT Austin is competitive. Competitive schools must want elite experiences. But this myth quietly hurts more UT Austin applicants than it helps.
Most families still picture college admissions as a human reading experience, but that picture is already outdated. In 2026, many applications will be sorted, scored, and prioritized by software before an admissions officer ever opens the file. That means clarity is no longer just helpful, it is decisive, because messy or unfocused applications often sink before a human gets a chance to advocate. Strong students are not being rejected for lack of ability, but for lack of a clear story that rises in a high-volume, AI-assisted system
College planning can often feel like following Google Maps: every turn planned, every step predictable, all aimed at one specific destination. But the journey to college isn’t a straight line — it’s more like a road trip filled with detours, discoveries, and unexpected opportunities for growth. Colleges aren’t looking for students who follow a rigid formula; they’re searching for individuals who explore their passions, embrace challenges, and reflect on their unique paths. It’s about finding meaningful destinations along the way, not just arriving at the endpoint.